Complete Re-Wire 1978 Scottsdale 4x4

Kurnacopia · Jun 6, 2022

I have 78 Scottsdale I am rebuilding. Yesterday I tore out about all I could...dash, bezel, and about everything I could to replace 44 yr old plastic. I am thinking , I really should pull all wiring and replace with new but my expertise is NOT electrical. Has anybody here replaced theirs with a new set? What's the difficulty level involved and can a weekend warrior get this done?

Anyone's experience and advise would be greatly appreciated!

Mike

Doppleganger · Jun 6, 2022

Painless makes a direct replacement kit for the squares.....albeit for about $700 (sounds painful). I bought their kit that had more circuits, but was for a GM steering column for about $300. I saved my main connector from the firewall, pulled the old wires out and soaked it in gasoline. Rock sells the new (OE style) gang connector terminals. The wiring is labeled so just gotta get a diagram and put them back where the originals were.

Its a huge job regardless - doubt it can be done in a weekend, but maybe. Lots to do and keep track of, but very worth it in the end.

Matt69olds · Jun 7, 2022

Electrically, these trucks are about as easy as they get. The dash/engine harness is basic depending on if the truck had gauges or idiot lights. Any options the truck might have had used its own harness that plugs into the main harnesses and fuse box.

I know American Autowire offers premade ready to install harnesses. The painless stuff requires you to use your existing steering column/turn signal/headlight plugs. Not good if your connectors are missing or damaged. That also means a bunch of extra connections and splices.

AuroraGirl · Jun 7, 2022

Mike Kurn said:
I have 78 Scottsdale I am rebuilding. Yesterday I tore out about all I could...dash, bezel, and about everything I could to replace 44 yr old plastic. I am thinking , I really should pull all wiring and replace with new but my expertise is NOT electrical. Has anybody here replaced theirs with a new set? What's the difficulty level involved and can a weekend warrior get this done?

Anyone's experience and advise would be greatly appreciated!

Mike

hows the condition of your interior harness? if its okay you maybe dont want to touch it...
but engine side you would not be unwise to replace and the rear running harness check its condiiton.

But you have a 78 so glass fuses. a newer column and nicer wiring may be what you desire (a 1980s with the column stocks, or a 79-82 with the same high beam and wipers you have now
Tilt may be desire able too

Jacob Miller · Jun 13, 2022

If your set on going all the way painless and American auto wire have end to end kits that are well made, I personally went with painless but you’ll get the same results with either. It can be done in a weekend (I did it in two days) but plan on 4 days minimum if you aren’t comfortable with wiring. The most important lesson learned is take the time on a table to separate all the wires and bundle them up together based on the path they will run. Spend the time doing the prep before you even take it near the truck and it’ll be a whole lot easier to drop it in and start landing wires to devices instead of fighting a spaghetti nightmare and getting frustrated.

carfanatic63 · Jun 14, 2022

I did the painless direct fit kit in my truck last year. Worth the extra money in my opinion. The manual is very thorogh and well laid out for everything and with a couple simple tools, it isnt a difficult job. Just take your time and dont rush and everything will be fine if you follow the manual and route wires safely.

AKguy · Jun 14, 2022

I would go with whichever kit had the least amount of connector work, i.e., soldering, crimping, etc. My experience with American Autowire was good, but tons of work.

Kurnacopia · Jun 14, 2022

Thank you all for your excellent responses. I truly appreciate you taking time to help me out. I have decided to do the prep work...slowly and with lots of documentation and replace the wiring. I just cant put it back together with 44 year old wiring while I have the chance to upgrade and make it new again.

Thank you all!!

Mike

Redfish · Jun 14, 2022

Mike Kurn said:
Thank you all for your excellent responses. I truly appreciate you taking time to help me out. I have decided to do the prep work...slowly and with lots of documentation and replace the wiring. I just cant put it back together with 44 year old wiring while I have the chance to upgrade and make it new again.

Thank you all!!

Mike

Mike, it is sort of intimidating but the end result will be worth it. I haven't done a Square Body (yet!) but I did use the Painless to rewire a 1973 Bronco. It was really more than I wanted to tackle at the time but it turned out fantastic. It certainly made the vehicle a lot more reliable and the added circuits were a bonus.

The Painless wires are all very well labeled and they matched the original factory wire colors exactly. The manual was over 80 pages long and was easy to understand. I will recommend you pay a little extra and get their premium wire loom kit. That stuff will cover up the wires and make the entire job look great.

A couple pics of my "project":

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Kurnacopia · Jun 15, 2022

Redfish said:
Mike, it is sort of intimidating but the end result will be worth it. I haven't done a Square Body (yet!) but I did use the Painless to rewire a 1973 Bronco. It was really more than I wanted to tackle at the time but it turned out fantastic. It certainly made the vehicle a lot more reliable and the added circuits were a bonus.

The Painless wires are all very well labeled and they matched the original factory wire colors exactly. The manual was over 80 pages long and was easy to understand. I will recommend you pay a little extra and get their premium wire loom kit. That stuff will cover up the wires and make the entire job look great.

A couple pics of my "project":

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

Hi Redfish,
Thank you for the amazing photos of your work. I've been out to the painless website and I have picked a harness that will work with my truck. I really like the updated fuses and the kit seems full of everything one would ever need to do the job right. I figure if everyone here can do it I should be able to with some spare weekends...or even a vaca.

Thank you for the kind recommendation. Oh, and I love the cars in the garage!!

Randy and Easton · Jun 15, 2022

14 Circuit Trunk Mount Wire Harness

Product Description Our 14 Circuit Trunk Mount Wire Harness is designed as a cut-to-fit universal complete restoration wire harness. These kits will support your entire electrical system from headlights to tail lights. The 14-circuit wire harness is our most popular kit. The 14 Circuit Trunk...

kwikwire.com

Complete Re-Wire 1978 Scottsdale 4x4

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